Can't Help Falling Into Her (Wanda Maximoff x Reader)

Chapter 3: Down to Business... and Apologies.

1:52 PM April 10, 2021

Awkward stares, uncomfortable smiles, and deafening silence, not to mention Tony Stark's insistent pacing across the top width of the room. You'd managed to make your way through various corridors and elevators to reach the briefing room atop the fourth floor of the headquarters. Now you sat diligently, but quiet, awaiting one of the various Avengers to speak. Many of them seemed just as uneasy by the situation, and these were the men and women who had battled Thanos, now sitting and looking at you with uneasiness.

At this point you'd been able to recognize the majority of those seated at the cut-glass table; Steve Rogers – Captain America, Natasha Romanov – Black Widow, Thor, Bruce Banner – The Hulk, Clint Barton – Hawkeye, and of course Iron Man himself who was now working to lap the perimeter of the conference room with his chin tucked to his thumb in silent contemplation. Then, of course, seated to the far-right corner beside Natasha was Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlett Witch, sitting as still as stone and mindlessly alternating her fingers to play with them minuscule sparks of red jumping in between them. She seemed as disinterested in you as she had when you'd bumped into her not more than ten minutes ago.

You couldn't help to leer at her a little longer, watching her intricately and wondering fleetingly where and why she'd stormed outside of the building in a disgruntled mess prior, but now sat here as calm as ever.

"No." Stark's voice cut through your concentration, his face twisting as his head dipped to the side to focus on you. The comment took you by surprise, no one had even managed a word in before finding their seats, and Tony was speaking as if you'd already proposed the case and your place in it.

"Excuse me?" Stark may be a 'hero', but you were not about to bend the knee and jeopardize your ego for this man without having him hear you out.

"We have already spoken and accepted this case from your superior, Deborah Mourney. You being here is no more than a- gift," he stops in his tracks and braces his hands against the empty chair opposite of you, eyes locked to your features wearing a half-witted smile, "I understand your role in this case. You've done well, but it's time to let us handle it."

So- Mourney had already contacted the Avengers and confirmed the role to them over-taking Mancini's case. Now it was beginning to come together as to why she nonchalantly gave you the Avenger's Headquarters address, she'd already spoken with them and didn't need to worry about covering her ass if shit hit the fan because your attendance was no more hospitality of humoring you than agreeing. Good play, Mourney.

"I know more of this case than you will, even with the case files," you retort sharply, which brings up wary glances from all of them, including Wanda who only offers a sideways glance and the silence of the red sparks once playing through her fingers, "I can be a valuable asset, behind the books or out in the world." You swallow back the rest, debating momentarily if this should really be a fight you pick, and with the Avengers of all.

Steve has fallen back in his seat by now, arms folded over his chest with an all-too indulgent smirk of smugness to how you've spoken back towards Stark. "Y/N has a fair point, Tony." He offers, placing a guided look to you then back to Stark, who's twisting his jaw and wearing an irritated expression towards the other. Natasha has now perked up, wearing a perky grin and letting her eyes fall over you, which you return with a nervous half-smile before looking back to Stark who now has his head tucked to his chest in contemplation.

"And if you die," he forcefully grips the chair with a hand before pointing to you, startling you slightly, "-it falls on us!"

"I won't die, simple as that." You sneer, which finally warrants a hidden smirk from Stark before he turns on his heel to resume his incessant pacing once again. He seems to be deep in thought, and you find it an opportune moment to once again divulge what you could truly offer for them.